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Old habits die hard. It is a simple statement but also a very powerful statement. For veteran vocalist Frank DiMino it is a statement that is especially true in listening to his new album Old Habits Die Hard. The eleven-song record exhibits DiMino’s old habits from beginning to end, taking listeners back to the days of big hair and even bigger riffs in every single song. For fans of 80s rock, with all of its pomp and bombast that is a very good thing because this record has every bit of that beginning with the album’s opener ‘Never Again.’ ‘Sweet Sensation is another one of the album’s offerings that exhibits that classic, over-the-top sound. The same can be said of ‘Tonight’s The Night.’ All three songs show in their own respective way the sound on which Frank DiMino thrived in the early days of his career. They are just a few of the songs featured in DiMino’s first solo record that make this musical trip back to the 80s so enjoyable for fans of that age. Songs such as ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You,’ ‘Rockin In The City,’ and ‘Mad As Hell’ are just as notable in making that statement. The classic song of love lost is even there in the form of ‘Even Now.’ Whether for those songs, the ones more directly noted here, or any of the album’s other compositions, the record in whole proves that while old habits may die hard, it’s not always a bad thing.

Frank DiMino’s first ever solo record Old Habits Die Hard is a record that any fan of big hair and even bigger riffs should hear. From beginning to end its songs transport listeners back to the 80s with every element that made “hair metal” so…well…big during its era. The album’s opener ‘Never Again’ is just one of the songs that serves to take listeners on that musical ride back in time. Right from the song’s huge opening drum fill to its equally bombastic guitar line, which runs through the song’s five minute-plus run time, the song harkens directly back to the 80s. The song’s lyrical content, which seems to address a certain woman (or type of woman), is just as familiar as the music that forms the song’s foundation. The topic in question is hinted at as DiMino sings, “Backdoor lover/Undercover/Slip away into the night/Hands up baby/Drive me crazy/Come and step into the night/Reach out/No doubt/Looking for a lover…” He goes on in the song’s chorus to sing, “Caught in the grip with my heart in the palm of your hand/It’s the last time I have told you/Never again.” The song’s final verse is very similar to its lead and second verse stylistically as DiMino again addresses that woman again. Considering what DiMino has to say about said women in the song’s final verse and in the song’s other verses, that woman is definitely something. She is good but also good at being bad it would seem. This is, again, very much the familiar topic for rock acts from the 80s- just as familiar as the song’s huge musical arrangement. Both elements join here to make the song in whole a clear example of what makes OHDH (as it will henceforth be known) a good fit for any 80s rock aficionado. It is just one of the songs that serves this end, too. ‘Sweet Sensation is another one of the album’s offerings that exhibits that classic, over-the-top sound.

‘Never Again’ is a clear example of what makes Frank DiMino’s new solo record OHDH a good fit for any 80s rock fan. That is due to the mix of its lyrical content and its huge musical arrangement. Both elements are completely familiar to fans of 80s rock. It is just one of the songs included in this record that serves to show what makes the record such a good fit for fans of that musical era. ‘Sweet Sensation’ is another example of what makes the album one that 80s rock fans will appreciate. Just as with ‘Never Again’ that is due in part to the song’s musical arrangement. The song’s musical arrangement instantly conjures thoughts of AC/DC with its mid-tempo 4/4 time signature and blues-based guitar line. Though, the inclusion of a keyboard line as a central element in the song’s chorus also conjures thoughts of Deep Purple among other veteran acts. Considering those comparisons, the song’s musical arrangement in itself makes the song stand clearly apart from the other songs included in this record. It is just one part of what makes the song (and ultimately album) stand out. The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note here as its musical arrangement. DiMino sings here, “Taking the midnight train home/So turn your lights down low/I can’t get you off my mind/I just lose all sense of time/Every time you come my way/You take the night out of the day/Everything just melts away/You bring the color to my gray/Feels like the first time/Deep down inside/Sweet sensation/You know where it feels so good/Sweet sensation/The only way it really could.” He continues in similar fashion in the song’s second verse as he sings, “You know the things it takes to please/And bring a grown man to his knees/You can make the sunshine bright/And hide the darkness from the light.” He keeps going on in exactly the same fashion. So needless to say, DiMino doesn’t leave much room for guessing if any at all. It is a classic schmaltzy song lyrically speaking. What is interesting is that the song’s musical arrangement doesn’t match that schmaltzy lyrical content. Rather, it gives the song more of a “come hither” type of feel. This is a guy that is flirting with his subject, not trying to woo her. Again, it is another familiar showing for hair rock fans. It still is not the only other example of what makes OHDH a record that any 80s rock fan will appreciate. ‘Tonight’s The Night’ is yet another example of what makes OHDH a good fit for 80s rock fans.

‘Never Again and ‘Sweet Sensation’ are both key examples of what makes OHDH a good fit for any hair rock aficionado out there. That is due to the songs’ combination of big rock riffs and equally big lyrics. They aren’t the only songs that serve to exhibit DiMino’s throwback approach to his new record. ‘Tonight’s The Night’ is one more example of that throwback sound. That is most evident in the song’s musical arrangement, which is centered on some Poison style guitar riffs. Those riffs are, in themselves based richly in the rockabilly sounds of the 1950s. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, but it still works. Keeping that in mind, it doesn’t take much imagination to know what DiMino’s subject is singing about here. Right off the top, he sings, “It’s gonna happen again/Just a matter of time and a matter of when/The night has just begun/We’re gonna have some fun/Cause’ don’t you know that tonight’s the night/Tonight’s the night/I’m gonna set a date…It’s time to cut use/You know there aint’ no use/Cause tonight’s the night.” He makes note about jumping in the back of his Cadillac, and the heat that can’t be beat. Considering all of this, the song’s subject is pretty clear. The song’s musical energy adds to that pretty clear supposition, too. What’s so interesting is that DiMino doesn’t try to be overly explicit in making the song’s subject so clear. It shows that a song can still be kind of naughty without being downright nasty. At the same time, it can still be fun too. That being the case, both the song’s musical arrangement and its lyrical content work to show clearly why the song is yet another standout addition to OHDH. Together with ‘Never Again’ and ‘Sweet Sensation,’ all three songs show collectively why OHDH is a record that any 80s aficionado will enjoy.

Old Habits Die Hard is a record that any 80s rock aficionado will appreciate. That is regardless of listeners’ familiarity with Frank DiMino’s extensive resume. Songs such as ‘Never Again,’ ‘Sweet Sensation,’ and ‘Tonight’s The Night’ make that crystal clear. They are hardly the only songs that support that statement. ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You,’ ‘Rockin’ In The City’ and ‘Mad As Hell’ each could be used to support that statement just as much as could any of the album’s other featured songs. All things considered, Old Habits Die Hard proves in the long run that sometimes, it’s a good thing that old habits die hard. Old Habits Die Hard is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online direct via Amazon. More information on Old Habits Die Hard is available online now along with Frank DiMino’s latest news at:

Late last month Phill Rocker (yes, that’s really his name) released his debut album Hard To Bleed. The independently released album boasts fifteen tracks all of which are a good fit for any fan of big riffs and even bigger hair. From start to finish Rocker exhibits influences from the likes of Judas Priest, Poison, Ozzy Osbourne, and so many others from that bygone era of rock. There are even some old school style power ballads thrown in for good measure to round out the record. The combination of those ballads and the album’s more up-tempo pieces makes Hard To Bleed a record that is hard to hate.

Phill Rocker’s debut album Hard To Bleed is a record that is hard to hate. Yes, that bad pun was fully intended. The fifteen-song record (there is also a deluxe edition that includes two bonus songs) is so hard to hate because over the course of its roughly sixty-seven minute run time it offers rock purists plenty to appreciate what with its classic rock sound and equally interesting lyrical content. The album is anchored by the album’s up-tempo, near mid-point ‘Burning in the Fire.’ It has already been noted that the songs featured in this record boast a noticeably old school rock sound. The sound in question takes listeners back to the days of big riffs and even bigger hair. That is no different in the case of ‘Burning in the Fire.’ Rocker and company waste no time getting things moving in this song. They jump into it right from its opening measures. Drummer Brian Tichy (Something Unto Nothing, Velvet Revolver, Ozzy Osbourne) is on point in his time keeping here. The dual guitar attack of Ricardo Fernandes and Miguel Aguiar adds even more impact to the song. That is because it instantly conjures thoughts of classic Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, and even Judas Priest. Rocker’s own vocal delivery here boasts just as much power as those that have come before. The song’s musical side is just one part of what makes the song a solid anchor for Rocker’s new album. Rocker wrote the song’s lyrics as well as handling vocal duties. Rocker’s lyrics come across as a commentary of sorts as he sings in the song’s lead verse, “Can somebody hear this scream of mine/Is the world goin’ blind/Hard to carry on/Without wiseman guidance/Can’t see/Nothing but dreams of foregone times/Facing the final frontier/I’ve faced this road before/Innocence calms down/Before the storm/The hurt I know is true.” Later in the song’s run Rocker asks, “Will I/Who else can I call/What’s done is done/It’s written in the stars.” In examining the song in whole Rocker comes across as making a statement about staying strong even in the most uncertain times with such lyrics. Of course that is just this critic’s own interpretation. It could be completely off the mark. Hopefully it isn’t. but the possibility is there. When that possibility is coupled with the song’s forward-driving musical content, the two together really build their own fire that will spread to listeners when they hear the song for themselves. Keeping that in mind, it is clear in the end why ‘Burning in the Fire’ is this record’s anchor. It is just one of the many songs in this album that can be cited as an example of what makes Rocker’s debut album hard to hate. The ballads that are included in this album do just as much to make it worth at least one listen. That is exemplified even later in the album’s run in the form of the bass-driven ballad ‘How Does It Feel.’

‘Burning in the Fire’ is a solid anchor for Phil Rocker’s debut album. That is thanks to the combination of its classic rock-influenced sound and its equally thought-provoking lyrical content. As solid as it is in the grand scheme of the record it is only one example of what makes it a *rock* solid record. ‘How Does It Feel’ is another good example of what makes Rocker’s new album worth hearing. Unlike ‘Burning in the Fire’ this song is a classic ballad style composition. From Rocker’s own vocal delivery to Ricardo Fernandes’ gentler melody to [Brian] Tichy’s own work behind the kit, this song is a direct throw back to the power ballads of the late 80s and early 90s. In regards to its lyrical content, the song’s lyrics will have listeners just as engaged. Rocker writes in this song, “This conspiracy doesn’t help to see my destiny/Fighting this battle/I’m more than you can be/Psycho maniacs/Rule what you can/Ask for what you need/That’s where I begin/Straight to the unknown.” This comes across as someone dealing with some inner personal issues. And the song’s chorus would seem to hint even more at that as Rocker writes, “Paranoia/In a troubled mind/Agonized by a wounded heart/Self-inflicted victim/In this unfair world/Is it real/What’s going on/How does it feel to walk away/How does it feel to taste the pain/How does it feel to go away/One more day.” The song’s final verse is just as intriguing as Rocker writes about a figure suffering from a number of emotional issues that have essentially crippled said figure. It is definitely an interesting piece that is certain to leave listeners talking just as much as ‘Burning in the Fire.’ Audiences can hear the song for themselves now via Rocker’s official website at http://www.phillrocker.com. It’s just one more example of what makes this record a record worth hearing at least once. It still is not the final example of what makes the album stand out. The album’s opener, ‘Wasted Generation (In Me) is one more example of what makes Hard To Bleed hard to hate.

Phil Rocker offers quite a bit for rock purists in his debut album; so much so that the album proves rather hard to hate. That is obvious in the album’s hard rock anchor ‘Burning in the Fire’ and its polar opposite ‘How Does It Feel.’ While both songs are clear examples of what makes this record worth hearing they are not the only songs that could be cited as examples of the record’s strengths. ‘Wasted Generation (In Me),’ the album’s opener, is one more of the album’s strengths. Much like ‘Burning in the Fire’ Rocker and his fellow musicians waste little time getting things going here. There is a little bit more set up here but very little at the most. Luckily for listeners it isn’t one of those “slow boil” setups that takes its time building up to the song’s real body. Far too many bands today take that route. And it is anything but original or enjoyable. Keeping that in mind, the overall musical composition of ‘Wasted Generation (In Me),’ by itself makes the song both an enjoyable work in itself and an equally solid first impression for Rocker. The song’s lyrical content is just as important to its overall composition as its musical side. Rocker writes in the song’s second verse, “Confused and alone/Left on my own/I can’t find a place to rest/My mind’s so stressed/In between now and then/Yeah, here I am/I feel that I am always somewhere.” He goes on to write, “Come and have a look/Seek what you want/Come and have a look/Seek what you need/Come and have a look/You will find/A wasted generation in me.” The song feels, at least in regards to its lyrical content, as if it comes from the point of someone in a difficult emotional spot. It is almost as if the figure in this song is looking back on certain events of the past and comparing those events to the present, thus leading to the revelations presented here. What is really interesting about all of this is that when set against the song’s musical content there is quite a separation between the two. One would expect considering the song’s lyrical content that this song’s musical content would not have as much fire as it does. Yet somehow in its own way it proves to work just as well alongside that content. Because it does (and surprisingly so) it proves in the end why it is yet another solid first impression for Rocker and another example of what makes his debut worth the listen. Together with the previously noted songs, all three offerings show collectively that not only is this record just worth the listen but they also make this record hard to hate. They are not the only songs that could be used to prove that argument either. There are twelve other songs include in this record that could be cited in making both arguments. Audiences can hear every one of those songs for themselves when they order Hard To Bleed for themselves.

Hard To Bleed is a good first effort from Phill Rocker. The album proves this time and again throughout the course of its fifteen songs and sixty-seven minutes. From the hard rocking anchor that is ‘Burning in the Fire’ to the more melodic classic ballad style ‘How Does It Feel’ to the equally solid opener ‘Wasted Generation (In Me)’ there is plenty for any purist rocker to enjoy. That includes the other dozen songs not directly noted here. All things considered Hard To Bleed proves in the end to be a good first effort from Phill Rocker and an album that is both worth hearing at least once and in turn hard to hate. It can be ordered online now via Rocker’s official Bandcamp website at http://phillrocker.bandcamp.com/releases. More information on Hard To Bleed is available online now along with music videos, news, and more at:

…And So It Begins, the debut EP from NoMara is a fittingly titled first effort from the independent five-piece hard rock act. That is because the band exhibits over the course of its record that it has quite the potential. Speaking in terms of both its musical and lyrical content, it is a good fit with any of the acts currently being played across the country’s major mainstream rock radio stations. The record’s closer ‘Tesla’ is a clear example of that. With its mix of classic hair metal musical content and direct homage to the bands that made the era of big riffs and even bigger hair so…well…big, it proves to be the EP’s anchor. And ‘Cheap Talk’ with its hard rock riffs and lyrics that seem centered on the standard subject of broken relationships, it is an even more radio ready work. The modern hard-rock ballad that is ‘Broken’ could just as easily be used by any radio programmer across the country with its introspective lyrical content and flowing melodies. All three songs could each easily be used to represent the band on any mainstream rock radio station, regardless of said station’s reach. That is not to discount the remaining pair of songs that make up …And So It Begins–‘Sell Out’ and ‘Use Your Love.’ Both of those songs could be used just as easily by the band and by said stations. Regardless of which track(s) are used, it can be said that in whole …And So It Begins is in fact just the beginning for NoMara.

…And So It Begins is just the beginning for NoMara. The debut EP from this independent five-piece hard rock act proves that from its outset to its end. Every one of the five songs that make up the record’s nineteen-minute run time is as radio ready as the others. However in listening through this record, it can easily be said that ‘Tesla,’ the record’s closer is also its anchor. The four and a half-minute song is a musical love letter to the bands that made the age of big hair and even bigger riffs so…well…big. The song’s musical content makes that clear as it throws back to the sound generated by so many of that era’s biggest names including the likes of Motley Crue, Poison, and of course Tesla, thus the name of the song. The song’s lyrical content adds to the homage as front man Kelly Burdge sings in the song’s lead verse, “Didn’t have to be there/See it to believe it/It was one hell of a show/Big city nights/Arena nights/Exploding pyro/Stand in line for days/Gotta find a way I can get front row/Hooked on tasty licks/Catchin’ guitar picks/No matter where there’s room/Best get out of my way/I thank God rock rock ‘n roll every day.” The picture painted by Burdge’s lyrical talents paints such a vivid picture. It will put a smile on the face of anyone that grew up in that era when concerts were just as much about the show as they were about the band. Interestingly enough, Burdge’s own vocal delivery style makes him sound so much like so many of that veteran vocalists that he obviously grew up idolizing. That adds even more punch to the song. And it is just one more part of what makes this song such a strong, solid anchor. The song’s equally bombastic chorus in which Burdge’s band mates–John LeCompt (guitar, vocals), Thad Ables (bass), Josh Grissom (guitar), and Jack Larson (drums)–join in singing, “Just give me one for the money/Two for the show/Three for Tesla/On my radio/I got Poison in my pocket/Woman on my mind/Motley Crue-sin on the wild side/Life ain’t got to rock/Stil livin’ the crazy nights/Won’t get left behind/One for the money/Two for the show/Come on, come on/Who loves rock and roll” adds even more enjoyment to the song. And it doesn’t stop there, either as listeners will note in hearing the rest of the song. All things considered here, ‘Tesla’ proves in whole that it is a solid anchor for NoMara’s new EP and an equally solid choice for a single should radio programmers give the band a chance.

‘Tesla’ shows through its combination of musical and lyrical content that it is a solid anchor for the band’s new EP …And So It Begins, and that it is just as equally solid a choice for a single should radio programmers give the band a chance. It is just one of the radio ready songs on this record that make it in whole a recording that is just the beginning for the band. ‘Cheap Talk’ is another radio ready piece that would serve as a solid representative of the band members’ talents. That is thanks in large part to its musical content, which exhibits hard rock riffs equivalent to songs churned out by the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Hellyeah, and even to a slightly lesser extent, Pop Evil just to name a few. Again, this is in reference mainly to the song’s musical content. Such comparisons are not bad for the band either. It shows even more the band’s ability to hold its own against such bands and other more well-known acts. In regards to the song’s lyrical content, its lead verse along leads one to believe that the song would fit in just as easily with those acts as it paints the picture of being another song rooted in the standard theme of broken relationships. That picture is painted as Burdge sings, “I get the feeling/I’m being lied to/Right from the start I saw the signs/I should have listened/To intuition/Instead I fell face first.” He goes on to sing later, “You tell me you are staying/When you know you aren’t…your talk is cheap and I’m just not sold.” At one point, Burdge’s subject goes so far as to tell his unnamed target to pack up his or her stuff and leave. So considering all of this, it can be inferred that the song is in fact lyrically based in the standard topic of a broken relationship. While it is seemingly standard fare lyrically speaking, the song’s musical approach coupled with Burdge’s lyrical approach makes the song solid. It isn’t one of those oh-woe-is-me style songs that are so prevalent across the musical universe. Rather, the two elements combined paint a picture of someone going through that stage of realization of how much time and effort was wasted being with someone that didn’t care. That frustration is made so clear here. And it makes the song a work to which any listener will be able to relate. It makes clear, once more, why the song is another good addition to the band’s new EP. It is of course still not the only example of how much the band has to offer in its new EP either. ‘Broken’ is one more example of what makes …And So It Begins an interesting listen.

‘Tesla’ and ‘Cheap Talk’ are both good examples of what makes NoMara’s debut EP a good start for the band. They are just a couple of examples of what makes …And So It Begins a good beginning. ‘Broken’ is one more example of what makes it such an interesting listen. It is another good addition to …And So It Begins because it shows the band’s softer side so to speak. It opens with a beautiful, flowing arrangement featuring flowing strings and piano set against Burdge’s equally gentle vocal delivery style and work on acoustic guitar. This lasts perhaps for about ten bars or so before the band really launches into the song’s full hard rock ballad sound. That is just part of what makes the song a guaranteed hit for the band. The song’s lyrical approach adds more to the song’s interest. In regards to its lyrical content, it is that emotional breakup song. But it still is not that standard oh-woe-is-me composition. As Burdge sings in the song’s opening verse, “Daylight has faded/On you and me/Long before our time/As far as I can see/Tell me what to say to you/To bring back yesterday/Cause I’m tired of holding on/When you always walk away.” It becomes clearer that this is another song centered on a broken relationship as Burdge sings in the song’s second verse, “The only thing I have to hold onto/Is a shred of the past/Knowing how to bring you back/And how to make you laugh.” It is pretty obvious here what is being said. This could be someone speaking directly to another in a breakup, or even looking at a picture, thinking these things as he or she prepares to say them to that other person. It could even come as part of the fallout of a breakup. Regardless of before, during, or after, the emotional punch of that combination of music and lyrics throughout makes ‘Broken’ a song that will be both a favorite and a guilty pleasure among listeners and more proof of what makes not only the song but …And So It Begins in whole an interesting listen and a good start for the band.

…And So It Begins is a good start for NoMara. That is evident through both the musical and lyrical content that makes up the body of the record. That is exhibited through the old school hair metal homage that is ‘Tesla,’ the more modern rock sound of ‘Cheap Talk’ and the more emotional makeup of ‘Broken.’ All three songs are clearly radio ready material that could effectively represent the band at any mainstream rock radio station across America. That is not to discount the EP’s remaining songs–‘Sellout’ and ‘Use Your Love.’ Those songs could both be used as singles, too. Regardless of which song(s) is/are chosen it can be said of …And So It Begins in whole that this record is indeed a good start for NoMara. …And So It Begins is available now. It can be ordered online direct from the band’s official website at http://www.nomaramusic.com. The band is currently touring in support of …And So It Begins. The band’s current tour schedule includes a pair of stops in North Carolina October 22nd and 23rd in Murfreesboro and Hickory respectively. The band’s current tour schedule is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Rock and roll super group Devil City Angels will release its self-titled debut album this fall. In anticipation of its release, the collective of veteran talents—Rikki Rocket (Poison), Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake), and Brandon Gibbs (Cheap Thrill)—has debuted the latest single from its upcoming album.

Devil City Angels debuted its latest single ‘All I Need’ this week and is currently streaming the single online via Revolver Magazine. Audiences can hear the song now at Revolver’s website at http://www.revolvermag.com/news/devil-city-angels-premiere-new-song-all-i-need.html. Audiences that are fans of the rock sound of the late 80s and early 90s will enjoy this song with its lighthearted sound. Its debut follows the premiere of the video for the album’s lead single ‘Boneyard,’ which can be seen online now via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrB0N6aBvY&feature=youtu.be. The video is a direct throwback to the classic rock videos of the 80s complete with footage of the band performing and of course the mandatory female dancer.

Devil City Angels will be available in stores and online on Friday, September 18th via Century Media Records in a variety of bundle packages as well as by itself. Pre-orders for the album begin tomorrow via iTunes and Century Media’s online store. Those choosing to pre-order the album via Century Media’s online store can do so online at http://www.indiemerch.com/cmrecords/brand/devil-city-angels. Those that pre-order the album via iTunes will get both ‘All I Need’ and ‘Boneyard’ as instant grat racks. It can also be pre-ordered via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Devil-City-Angels/dp/B01169B5NY.

Up-and-coming rock outfit Lawless Hearts’ new EP Creatures of Habit is the first great EP of 2015. The four-track disc from the Jacksonville, FL-based five-piece is a good listen for anyone that is a fan of Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and to a lesser extent Pat Benatar among other acts of that ilk. The similarity to those bands should come as no surprise to audiences as the band even notes Heart as one of its influences on its Facebook page. And just as fittingly the band notes in the bio on its Facebook page that its collective dream is to make something entirely its own in terms of its sound and lyrics. Listening to the songs that make up Creatures of Habit, it is safe to say that the dichotomy of the band’s old school rock sound and the songs’ lyrical content has created something entirely the band’s own. That is clear right from the record’s opening number and lead single/title track. The old school rock influence is obvious on the song’s musical side. Lyrically, it definitely has its own identity and will certainly have listeners thinking and talking. The musical bombast of ‘If I Have To’ coupled with its equally deep lyrical content shows this song to have its own identity, too. And the EP’s closer ‘Fallout’ with its seemingly Bon Jovi-influenced sound coupled with its insightful lyrics serves as one more example of how the members of Lawless Hearts have indeed created a record in Creatures of Habit that is entirely its own creation even with its old school rock influences. It is a record that though an EP bodes well for the band and its future endeavours.

Lawless Hearts’ new EP Creatures of Habit only boasts four tracks. That may not seem like much. But when considering the mix of the music and lyrics that make up those four songs, it proves to be a surprisingly enjoyable record. This is evident right from the EP’s opener/title track/lead single. ‘Creatures of Habit’ boast a sound musically speaking instantly conjures thoughts of both Heart and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts thanks not only to the powerhouse vocals of front woman Alex Marie but to the work of her band mates–Michael Thomas (guitar, vocals), Justus Sutherland (rhythm guitar), Rob Joseph (bass, vocals), and Corey Ahlquist (drums)–too. Marie even sounds slightly like Joan Jett as she sings, “Creatures of habit/Liars and savages/Hoping for one more drink from the well/A city for the dead/A silent tomb of regret/Try waking up but the nightmare never ends/It ever ends.” Those first two lines in which she sings, “Creatures of habit/Liars and savages” is a rather damning statement. It appears to be a short, yet rather sharp statement in regards to the nature of people. This is made even more clear as she sings in the song’s second verse, “Dirty little savage/Masochist at best/Looking for one more night to derail/Your time is wearing thin/Better hold before you lose your grip/There’s no one to hear you scream when you slip.” Marie comes across as singing about someone that is on a self-destructive path and who is about to reach a breaking point with no one to help if said subject continues on that same path. It is a powerful statement, especially if it is indeed the correct interpretation. Considering that Marie sings in the song’s bridge, “You’re covered in dirt/From the hole you dug yourself in/An early grave for the ones who deserve it,” it would seem that this is in fact the correct interpretation. It’s almost a warning of sorts. Taking into account the song’s driving musical side alongside with these words, it is no wonder that it was chosen to lead off the band’s new EP. Audiences can check out the brand new video for ‘Creatures of Habit’ online now via the band’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/LawlessHeartsMusic.

‘Creatures of Habit’ is a solid opener for Lawless Hearts’ new EP. It is also proof that the band has indeed succeeded in creating something influenced by other bands yet still holds its own identity. It does so quite well at that. It is just one of the tracks on this EP that proves that, too. The EP’s second track, ‘If I Have To’ strengthens that argument even more. It could be just this critic’s interpretation (again) but this song shows something of a Bon Jovi influence. It is so easy to close one’s eyes while listening to this song and see it being performed live. For that matter, the song’s overall makeup makes it easy to see it complemented with a video that matches its bombastic sound; big stage setup, sweeping pans across the stage that capture the entire band, the audience singing along, etc. It doesn’t seem like such a stretch. That is especially the case considering the song’s lyrical content. The song’s lyrical make-up Marie starts out by singing in the song’s opening verse, “I, I’ve been shot down/Fully defeated/A bullet to my chest/Holding my breath/Running on empty/Fear is nothing compared to this.” Obviously she is speaking metaphorically when noting the “bullet to the chest.” As a matter of fact, the entire verse is written in metaphor. She is saying that she has been through the worst that can be thrown at her. Because of that, fear has nothing on what she has endured. Despite having gone through so much, she goes on to note that she has not been defeated, singing, “I’m not afraid to die to save a life if I have to/I’ll walk the line of fire/Prepared to fight/With or without you.” She finishes her statement of firm defiance singing in the final lines, “I am awake/Fully determined/Nothing will be the same.” Such lyrics come across as being rather positive. It is almost as if Marie is singing out proudly that she will not let anything stop her no matter what. Considering this as the possibly intended aim of the lyrics, it makes the song that much more enjoyable. It proves the song to be yet another original work despite its classic rock roots. And together with the EP’s opener, proves once more why this record is the first great EP of 2015.

Both of the first two tracks taken from Creatures of Habit are solid examples of what makes the record the first great EP of 2015. Both songs display classic rock roots yet original lyrics. The combination of both elements gives both songs their own identity and in turn makes the record in whole that much more enjoyable. The disc’s closer ‘The Fallout’ on the other hand, is the polar opposite of those songs. It boasts more of a modern rock sound with only the slightest hint of old school rock influence, musically speaking. The slow build that starts with just Marie and an acoustic guitar is about the only hint at that classic rock influence. It conjures thoughts Bon Jovi, Poison, and others. From there though, the classic rock influence disappears very quickly as the song leads into a much heavier sound. On the song’s lyrical side, it almost seems to bring the record full circle, echoing the topic of human nature presented in the record’s opener. It just presents it in a different avenue. Instead of making a seeming statement about the rather negative side of human nature, this song comes across as discussing people’s refusal to face the music of life so to speak. She sings in the song’s opening verse, “There’s more than two sides to every story/The pain and loss is never-ending/You wanna break down/You wanna scream out as they take, and take, and take everything/What is fair anymore/We go through life always trying to even up a score/You say the truth will set you free/We’re all so damn scared of honesty/But it all comes with a price in the end.” On the one side, Marie presents someone that is miserable, almost shaking his or her fist at the heavens. On the other is someone that wastes their life away holding grudges and trying to point the finger. That person is reminded that doing so comes at a price. In both cases, the individual ends up doing nothing but separating himself or herself from everyone else albeit in different ways. As Marie sings in the bridge, “You say none of it matters/You don’t want to deal with the fallout/You burn bridges/You build castles/To keep everyone out.” It is a statement that whether preaching and pointing that finger or shaking one’s fist at the heavens, doing so is counterproductive. People that do this are doing nothing but wasting their lives away, separating themselves from others. She goes on to warn those people that considering the direction this world is going, wasting their lives away in such fashion simply isn’t worth it. How many mainstream bands can say that they have songs that present such lyrical content? In an age when so much music is still dominated by themes of self-loathing and loathing of the world, this song comes across as a breath of fresh air. And being such a breath of fresh air, it proves even more why Creatures of Habit is the first great EP of 2015.

All three of the songs noted here are prime examples of why Creatures of Habit is the first great new EP of 2015. The combination of the songs’ musical and lyrical makes all three songs stand out from so many songs that dominate mainstream rock radio today. One would be remiss to ignore the EP’s third song, too. It offers its own value to the record in whole, too. All things considered all four tracks prove Creatures of Habit the first great EP of 2015 and one of the year’s best. Given the right support, it could be just the beginning for this up-and-coming band. More information on Creatures of Habit is available online now along with all of the latest news from the band at:

The 1980s is one of the most important decades in the history of the music industry. Disco evolved into New Wave during that decade. Rap and Hip-Hop started burgeoning during those years, too. And in the world of rock, audiences were presented with both the New Wave of Heavy Metal (NWOHM), and the rise and fall of the hair metal movement. While the age of big hair and big rock came and went seemingly in the blink of an eye, it also produced some of the biggest names in the history of rock and metal. Def Leppard, Poison, Motley Crue, Dokken and others of that ilk dominated radio stations and arenas across the country in that ten-year span. Motley Crue is officially calling it a career. The others called it a career years ago. And while they may be gone, many bands since have shown that they are hardly forgotten, producing record after record that pays homage to said forebears. Now another act has added its name to that long list of bands keeping the age of big guitar riffs and equally big hair alive in the form of The Treatment. The five piece from Cambridge, England released its full length deut record Running With The Dogs on indie label Spinefarm Records back in February of this year. It is a fittingly titled record, too. That’s because the band, whose members are each in no more than their late teens, stays right with the rest of the pack on its debut. The band keeps up with other bands of its genre (E.g. Buckcherry, Airbourne) in its debut. That’s thanks both to its full-throttle, no nonsense rock and roll sound, and its equally old school lyrics. The combination of the two makes this record a must hear for anyone that wants a break from the seemingly constant barrage of cookie monster growls and poppy rock songs dominating so much of the rock world today. Right off the top, front man Matt Jones and his band mates–Dee Dammers (guitar), Tagore Grey (Guitar), Dhani Mansworth (drums), and Rick “Swoggle” Newman (bass)–show that they mean business in the album’s opener ‘I Bleed Rock N’ Roll.’ This song is classic rock and roll all the way around and will have audiences instantly rocking and singing along. By and large, the band keeps things moving throughout the record, slowing only once in the album’s penultimate acoustic opus ‘Unchain My World.’ Even being an acoustic piece, it harkens back to the acoustic ballads of Poison and other big hair bands from the 80s. And what rock record is complete without an up-tempo piece about a female figure that all the guys want? It’s there, too in the form of ‘She’s Too Much.’ These three songs are each enjoyable in their own right for anyone nostalgic for real rock and roll. Along with the other ten songs that make up this album, the whole thing proves to be a record that any old school rock and roll fan will enjoy.

The Treatment’s debut album Running With The Dogs is an aptly titled collection of songs. The band’s members show exactly why right off the top in the album’s high-energy opener ‘I Bleed Rock and Roll.’ Musically speaking, this song instantly shows influences from veteran rock acts the likes of AC/DC and Motley Crue. Drummer Dhani Mansworth’s solid 4/4 time set against the dual guitar attack of Dee Dammers and Tagore Grey instantly gets the body and the blood moving. The duo’s old school shredding and harmonies will transport audiences back to rock’s era of big riffs and even bigger hair. Front man Matt Jones’ vocal styling adds to that musical trip back in time even more. It’s incredible how much Jones’ vocal style soudns so much like Motley Crue front man Vince Neil. Lyrically, the song is just as much of an homage to rock’s “biggest” era with the band singing in the song’s chorus, “I live rock and roll/It’s my destiny/All I bleed is rock and roll. the message is clear and simple not just here but in the song’s verses, too. That simplicity and clarity of the song’s lyrics couple with its musical side to make this song the perfect opener for the band. To another extent, that it finishes in such bombastic fashion makes it an equally fitting closer both on the album and in a live setting. It’s just one of so many of the album’s opuses that shows what makes it a pure rock record well worth the listen.

It goes without saying that The Treatment chose the right song in ‘I Bleed Rock and Roll’ to open its debut full-length record. Interestingly enough, that same song would work just as much as a closer for the band as the album’s closer and even as a show closer in a live setting. The energy exuded by the band in this song is carried throughout every one of the songs that follow it right up to the album’s penultimate piece ‘Unchain My World.’ This acoustic ballad is just as much a throwback to the 80s as the album’s opener and any other song on this record. Stylistically, listeners will instantly be able to make comparisons between this song and the ballads churned out by veteran rock bands such as Motley Crue, Poison, and even Mr. Big just to name a few. This applies to the song both musically and lyrically. The comparison to Mr. Big comes especially in the song’s chorus as the band sings “Unchain my world/Cause you’re all I’ve really got.” Musically, one could even mistake the song for one of Mr. Big’s biggest hits of all time if one were listening to this song not knowing it was said band. The song’s verses highlight that comparison, too with Jones singing how much a certain love interest has changed the subject’s life. He sings of said subject’s view of the love interest, “I’m still fascinated/How deep inside I feel so incomplete/Indiscreet.” Just as with the album’s opener, that mix of music and lyrics is just as certain to take audiences back to what is perhaps one of rock’s most underrated eras.

‘I Bleed Rock and Roll’ and ‘Unchain My World’ are both prime examples of the old school 80s influence presented on The Treatment’s debut full-length album. Any old school rock and roll aficionado will appreciate thanks to that direct influence. They aren’t the only good examples of that influence and enjoyment on this record, either. The blues-based rocker that is ‘She’s Too Much’ is another great example of that influence and enjoyment. It’s not as up-tempo as some of the album’s other songs. But it leaves no one guessing in regards to its lyrical content. It is presented very much in the vein of AC/DC’s ‘Whole Lotta Rosie.’ Jones sings over the bluesy riffs of his band mates, “She’s too much/Everything is not enough/She’s too much/Better load your gun boys/Take aim/Now fire.” The song is thankfully not a direct mirror image of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie.’ But the blues-based rock sound churned out by Dammers and Grey definitely makes the comparison easy and not in a bad way, either. Again in a time when so much of the rock and even hard rock world is dominated by cookie monster growls and crunching, down-tuned guitars, such a comparison is especially welcome considering that The Treatment has taken an influence as respected as AC/DC and crafted its own equally fun rock song. It’s just one more of the thirteen total songs on this record that classic rock buffs will enjoy.

The songs noted here are each good examples of just what makes The Treatment’s debut album Running WithThe Dogs one more album released this year proving that contrary to Gene Simmons’ own views, rock and roll is not dead. Nor is it even in the hospital so to speak. It proves that rock and roll is alive and well. It takes audiences back to an era when rock and roll was indeed rock and roll; an era when rock and roll was truly fun. European audiences will agree with that sentiment when they see the band live on its current European tour. Audiences will get to hear the band live when it rolls into Rotterdam, Netherlands next Thursday, November 27th, Paris, France next Friday, and Brussels, Belgium next Saturday, November 29th. Audiences can pick up the band’s CD at those shows and each show after. Whether in Europe or in the United States, audiences can pick up Running With The Dogs in stores or online now. Fans can keep up with the band’s current tour schedule and all of its latest updates online now at:

Indie rock band Tempt recently released its debut EP Under My Skin. The New York based band’s debut record is something special, especially for fans of bands such as Def Leppard, Journey, Poison and others of that ilk. The band’s members—Zach Allen (vocals), Harrison Marcello (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Jimmi Kane (drums), and Zak Gross (bass, vocals)—are way too young to have grown up in the 80s. But the sound that the band’s members collectively craft is one that displays such respect for the music of the era. It truly makes Tempt quite the rarity in the current era of rock music. The band transports audiences back to that era of big hair and equally big rock songs right off the top in the EP’s title track. That pomp and bombast doesn’t let up even in the slightest as the band moves into the EP’s second song. The song exhibits something of a Queensryche influence circa Rage for Order. And on the EP’s penultimate track, the 8-s big hair influence keeps rolling before the band closes things with a standard 80s ballad-style song. All things considered, anyone that is a fan of big rock and big hair will agree after hearing this EP that Under My Skin is one of the best of the year’s new EPs.

The members of Tempt look to be far too young to have grown up in the 80s. That hasn’t stopped the band from crafting an EP loaded with music that sounds like it has been kept in a time capsule for ages and pulled right from that era of big rock and big hair. This is obvious right off the top in the EP’s opener and title track. If one didn’t know any better, one would think this was Def Leppard, Journey, Poison, or another major name act that had its heyday in that era. Lyrically speaking, the song centers on the standard subject of a broken relationship. What’s most interesting about it here is not just the standard over-the-top nature of the song, but [Zach] Allen’s vocals on the song. He sings much in the same style as other big name vocalists from the day as he sings, “Stop and start many years ago/You was a looker that I/Got to know/Now I’m sitting here/The pain won’t die/With the letter saying you’ve left my side.” There is just a certain quality to his vocal style. And the song’s chorus brings about even more of that classic song style with the rest of the band joining in almost the same style as the aforementioned bands. It is pure retro rock joy for fans of that sound.

The first impression that the band makes on its brand new EP is just the beginning of the retro rock joy for fans of hair metal. ‘Use It Or Lose It’ comes second on the disc. Those that are more familiar with bands from the era of hair metal will hear influences from the likes of Queensryche right from the song’s opening riff and the chorus style vocals. The song is just as good a follow-up to ‘Under My Skin’ lyrically as it is musically. That’s because it follows a similar lyrical theme. Allen sings here about a woman that is bad news for all intents and purposes. He sings in the song’s opening verse, “She’ll steal your soul/Drag your mind through pouring rain/Take you down into the dark/She don’t feel no pain/But if I turn my back/Would you turn your eyes on them/Are you ready/Let the games begin.” He goes on to sing of the woman in question in the song’s second verse, “She’s a one-of-a-kind/A storm within a name/A natural disaster/But I want her just the same.” As with the EP’s opener, the style of Allen’s vocals and the song’s musical side together make this song sound like something right out of the 80s. And again, that taken into consideration fans of that sound will welcome this song in with arms and ears wide open.

Both ‘Under My Skin’ and ‘Use It Or Lose It’ are impressive additions to the debut EP from Tempt. The third of the EP’s tracks, ‘The Fight’ instantly conjures thoughts of Journey and other more melodic rock bands of their time. Its forward-driving sound and infectious chorus of “It’s the fight that makes us stronger, baby/We both know you can see” will have audiences singing along in no time whether it be in their vehicle on the road or in their own living room/bedroom. Along with the previously noted songs, this song is just as much an arena anthem as them and the EP’s closing number. Allen and his band mates are seemingly singing about the fight that we have within ourselves to not give up. In this case, it seems to be the fight to not give up on a relationship. If that be the case, then the song takes quite the upbeat turn from so many songs rooted in relationship issues. It actually argues that there is hope for a relationship that would otherwise be broken. That and the song’s musical side together make this one of the EP’s best numbers. And together with the EP’s previously noted tracks, it makes the EP even more worth the listen especially by anyone that grew up a fan of the era of big hair and big rock. Audiences can listen to the title track from Under My Skin now via Tempt’s official website at http://www.temptband.com/#!listen/c1x9v.